Everton have joined the race for a Benfica midfielder wanted across Europe this summer.
Salvatore Ferrante of CalcioBox Italy reports the Toffees are one of several English clubs monitoring Richard Rios, with Bournemouth and Fulham also in the mix. Napoli, though, are best placed. Ríos is understood to favour a move to Naples, where Champions League football awaits.
The 26-year-old arrived at Benfica from Palmeiras last summer, an unusual path for a South American of his age, having come through futsal in Brazil before spells at Flamengo, Mazatlan and Guaraní. His contract, which runs to 2030, carries a release clause reported at £87m, though his value outside that clause is said to be lower after a season in which he spent long spells on the bench, including much of the World Cup.
Everton have already added Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough this summer and are keen to build on that with further additions. But a 13th-placed finish and no European football next season put them at a disadvantage against clubs that can offer it.
Benfica are not desperate sellers, though José Mourinho’s departure from the club could still shift their thinking as the window develops. (more on the Ríos links)
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